I had been saving the idea I put forth to you now for a rainy day. I wanted to avoid scaring anyone as I challenged you to think properly through a subject fraught with controversy. I personally see this very simply, but too few do. As I pen notes such as these, I know I’m writing to an educated and steadfast crowd of patriots. What I’m unable to quantify is just how deeply you all believe in your civil rights. Scarce among you are those who don’t recognize “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety,” as goes one of Benjamin Franklin’s most famous quotes. We continue to see various states, government sanctions, and high-powered proclamations telling us what we can and cannot do and that doesn’t pass the smell test for me.
Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety
-Benjamin Franklin
Do you know where your rights come from? As much as I’m itching to tell you, I’m going to resist. This question you should know, but if you don’t, search long and hard for the answer. I’ll offer you a hint. I will share with you where rights DO NOT come from. Rights don’t come from man. Why? Any right conveyed to you by man is one that man himself will most assuredly curtail or remove. Think about it. Anything granted by man can be removed by man. Are you comfortable with the idea that your civil rights are offered up by a seemingly benevolent government when that government is comprised of men that can later negate them at will? What about only negating them when people are growing sick? Would that make you more comfortable? …And just how sick would you need to be in order for a man – the man – to remove your rights? Cue Ben Franklin’s quote above.
Professor Stanley Milgram with his shock generator
I’ve studied the origin of rights and I’ve also thought through how those in positions of perceived authority offer you the notion that when they’re in charge your submission is not only encouraged, but correct. During my research, I ran across a study from Yale in the 60s by a psychologist named Stanley Milgram. Milgram was concerned that acts of genocide, like those he’d followed during the Nuremberg War Criminal trials, post-WWII, could be propagated over and over should a people adhere to obedience. But it wasn’t simply obedience at the core of the concern. It was obedience to authority that was problematic for Milgram. Thus, he devised a procedure to offer a test to see how people randomly chosen would respond to the power of authority.
The experiment surrounded increasing electric shocks, a “learner,” a “teacher,” and of course an “experimenter” who was dressed in a lab coat, complete with a clipboard, and all the accouterments necessary to ooze “authority” over the unsuspecting subjects. The rates of shock were labeled and the highest rates were clearly labeled as a danger to health.
Milgram sought to quantify how far people would go in terms of obedience while harming another person. Milgram appeared equally interested in how easily influenced or coerced people would become by those in perceived positions of authority. He believed this would indicate an answer to his question of how likely another atrocity like those committed by Germans in WWII would be. Below is a video of the experiment with conclusions at the end. I suggest you watch it in its entirety.
Milgram summed his findings in an article titled, “The Perils of Obedience” which is easily found with a Google search. Granted, many have criticized Milgram for the testing locale, the use of only men, and some other variables. However, the point was not lost on me, when I saw the rates of shock people were offering coupled with far too many that completed that testing in full.
Authority will make you do things you never thought you would or could actually do. Authority isn’t automatically bad. We just have to be darned careful about Whose authority we’re submitting to and whose we are not. Don’t hear what I’m not saying. I am not for one moment suggesting you ignore best practices when dealing with a highly communicable disease. I’m of the opinion that only a few of us actually benefit from a restriction, as the balance of us love our neighbors, friends, and family enough we can do what is best without the hand of government on our shoulders. What I am placing before you is the necessary mandate to guard your liberty from attack. In times such as these, we see opportunistic politicians and self-proclaimed experts exercising their authority too far and wide. Be careful and think through what you’re being told to do. Watch and compare how states outside your own handle things.
St. Augustine – “libido dominandi” – the lust to dominate – Writing during the collapse of the Roman Empire, St. Augustine offered vital insight into the core premise of freedom. A man was no longer a slave by nature or by law according to St. Augustine. No. His freedom was a function of his moral state. A man had as many masters as he had vices. This precept is the foundation for an intricate form of social control over man and continues to grow nearly unchecked today.
Augustine of Hippo – 13Nov 354 – 28Aug 430 AD
I encourage you all to love your neighbor as yourself. I’ve read that before and many know where. Don’t place them or yourself at risk. But diligently observe the authority figures in our state and nation. Watch both their actions and their attitudes. Are they seemingly eager or reluctant to exercise power over their fellow citizens? Do they incline toward liberty and personal responsibility or do they default to strict regimentation, enforced by the government’s police powers? Those are character traits of which you should be mindful, and they indicate the core of a person. We must choose our representatives and public servants wisely.
I began this communication to you all with a reference to saving this sentiment for a rainy day. I was reminded today in an op/ed offered by Andrew Napolitano, what St. Augustine branded, “libido dominandi” – the lust to dominate – when government chooses between liberty and force. Where do you think they’ll land if the government entertains this false choice? Be very careful my friends, it is pouring outside.
You’ve all seen these headlines more than likely. Some among us will point a boney finger and assume the worst. There are others who aren’t sure what to make of it but understand NRA is doing what they need to do. Me? I find myself interested in the facts of the matter.
NRA’s income isn’t offered up a quarter BILLION dollars at a time, as is Nanny Bloomberg’s anti-liberty, anti-gun network. Or even like taxpayer-funded entities that work against your civil rights. No. The money NRA operates with rests solely on our discretionary giving and membership. Income from membership is a bit easier to forecast. Each stable organization can take a glimpse at where they are, review where they’ve been, and make a reasonable assumption on where they’ll end up, all other things being equal. But giving based on attendance at events? That’s a bit tougher.
When NRA holds NRAAM, the National Rifle Association Annual Meeting, donations can often be significant. When various groups and communities hold “Friends of NRA” banquets, money is generated. There is giving associated with gun show tables, presence at rallies, and high-profile meetings. And that is saying nothing about other events all kinds of organizations hold all across America.
So… When gatherings cease and folks press the ‘pause’ button on their spending, NRA is in turn compelled to be cautious about their spending and not outdrive their headlights. Do I believe things will return to normal pretty darned quickly? Yes. Is NRA wise to pump the brakes real quick regardless? Yes.
Please don’t fear the support you’ll have. NRA staff members and many at IFC are in daily communication. And by daily, I mean 7 days a week, not 5. IFC, as a volunteer org, doesn’t worry about paying a staff. We do, however, appreciate people continuing to keep their memberships current and offering what they can to our political action committee, IFC PAC. Your loyalty allows us to keep the ball rolling no matter what and we thank you for it.
[cp_quote style=”quote_left_dark”]NRA’s posture on spending is a normal reaction to their income. Don’t let that freak you out.[/cp_quote]
You might wonder just how important your NRA State Association (IFC) truly is, especially in times like this. As noted, NRA and IFC work hand in hand daily. I can’t stress that enough. The fate of Iowan’s 2A virtues rests with our ability to work together seamlessly through adversity. If NRA stumbles, we’re here in Iowa to help grab their arm so they don’t fall. The inverse is true as well. I see the notion that “I’m an NRA member, so there’s no need to join IFC”, as one that hasn’t been thoroughly considered.
As we slowly but surely return to “normal” – and we will get there – there are no excuses to avoid being members of both organizations. Even as COVID19 began to alter our daily habits, IFC and NRA were helping the Iowa Department of Public Safety and communicating with countless Sheriff’s Offices in successful efforts to quickly maintain and streamline access to Permits to Carry or Acquire. Did you see anyone else working 7 days a week to protect your civil rights at a time of crisis? Nope.
NRA’s posture on spending is a normal reaction to their income. Don’t let that freak you out. In this stressful time, it is important that you should know and support those who are on your side. We are stronger together. If you are not yet a member of IFC, please join with us.
In liberty,
NSSF Gratified to See Firearm Accidents Reaching Record Low Level
NEWTOWN, Conn.—The National Shooting Sports Foundation® (NSSF®) is pleased to report that unintentional firearm fatalities reached their lowest level ever, according to the latest data from the National Safety Council’s just-released Injury Facts Report 2018.
NSSF, as the trade association for the firearm industry and leading proponent of safe gun handling and storage, applauded the report, which shows fatal firearm accidents at their lowest level since record keeping began in 1903. The firearm industry has for the last two decades provided more than 100 million firearm locking devices with new firearms sold and through its award-winning Project ChildSafe® program—the largest and most comprehensive firearm safety program in the country. The industry’s educational materials are widely distributed to gun owners by firearm manufacturers, retailers, instructors and others nationwide.
“As an industry that prioritizes firearm safety, it is extremely good news to see this record decline in gun-related accidents,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF’s President and CEO. “It’s gratifying to know that our industry’s gun safety efforts, including our long-running Project ChildSafe firearm safety education program, are contributing to helping save lives.”
With approximately 100 million gun owners in the country, the data demonstrates that firearms can be safely owned and used and accidents prevented as long as secure storage guidelines are followed. “Securely storing firearms when not in use is the No. 1 way to help prevent accidents, thefts and misuse,” said Bartozzi.
The National Safety Council data showed that for 2018 there were 458 firearm fatalities, accounting for less than 1 percent of unintentional fatalities from all principal causes. In the last two decades (1998-2018) accidental firearm deaths have declined by 47 percent. “Even one accidental firearm fatality is one too many,” said Bartozzi. “We’re aiming for zero, and this is great progress.”
With reports of many people purchasing their first firearm due to safety concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, Bartozzi reminds new gun owners to use the safety device that came packaged with their new firearm when their gun is not under their direct control, to strongly consider using an additional safety device such as a lock box or lockable gun case, and to take advantage of the many gun safety resources at ProjectChildSafe.org, such as this video on the 10 commandments of firearm safety.
Also, with so many children at home because of COVID-19-related school closures, Bartozzi encourages parents to take time to have “the talk” with their kids about gun safety and to use tools such as the McGruff on Gun Safety videos and a video on how parents can talk to their children about gun safety on the Project ChildSafe website.
About Project ChildSafe NSSF, the trade association of the firearm industry, launched Project ChildSafe in 1999 (originally as Project HomeSafe). Since 1999, the program has provided more than 38 million free firearm safety kits and gun locks to firearm owners in all 50 states through partnerships with thousands of law enforcement agencies across the country. That’s in addition to the more than 70 million free locking devices manufacturers have included, and continue to include, with new firearms sold since 1998. While helping to prevent accidents among children is a focus, Project ChildSafe is intended to help adults practice greater firearm safety in the home. More information is available at projectchildsafe.org.
About NSSF The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearm industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of thousands of manufacturers, distributors, firearm retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers nationwide. For more information, visit nssf.org.
The National Rifle Association is pleased to announce the launch of our latest contribution to the hunting community, the NRA Experienced Hunter Education Course.
“If you’ve taken a break from the shooting sports or haven’t hunted in a season or two, our Experienced Hunter Education Course is the perfect refresher for firearms safety and safe hunting practices,” explained Elizabeth Bush, managing director of NRA Community Engagement. “Best of all, we’re offering this service completely free of charge.”
NRA’s Experienced Hunter Education Course in an online review of everything an experienced hunter should know, including a review of firearm safety and safe hunting practices. Though not a substitute for state-mandated hunter safety requirements, it will provide a solid foundation of the fundamentals.
“The NRA is dedicated to providing our members and supporters with the best safety training possible. Our Experienced Hunter Education Course is a wonderful addition to that commitment,” concluded Bush.
Free to all, this comprehensive hunting refresher course will help hunters become safer and more confident before heading out into the field. For more information, visit www.nraehe.org and get ready for a safe and successful season.
DES MOINES, Iowa — In light of the Covid-19 and recommendations set forth by the CDC, the Iowa DNR is cancelling this weekend’s spring auction at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
The auction was scheduled to take place in the Livestock Pavilion at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on Saturday, March 21. The public viewing on Friday is also cancelled.
At this time, no decision has been made whether this event will be rescheduled.
Parks Day at the Capitol & Gift to Iowa Ceremony
In light of the Covid-19 and recommendations set forth by the CDC, as well as the suspension of the legislative session and restricted access to the Capitol, the DNR is cancelling both the Parks Day at the Capitol and the Gift to Iowa Ceremony.
Both events were scheduled to be held on March 25, 2020 at the Capitol.
Donors scheduled to be recognized at this year’s Gift to Iowa Ceremony are encouraged to participate in the 2021 ceremony. A date has yet to be set.
Shooting sports/hunter’s safety classes
In accordance with CDC guidelines, and state recommendations, we are cancelling upcoming classes, field days, workshops, and advanced hunter education offerings through April 30.
These events are usually held within facilities that are currently closed or prohibiting gatherings of large groups due to the Covid-19.
The health and safety of our volunteers, participants, and staff is of utmost importance to us, that is why we have these cancellations.
Due to the cancellation of our in-person hunter education courses and field days, we are recommending the following for hunting this spring:
Anyone ages 15 years and younger are able to participate in hunting activities if accompanied by an adult 18 and older who holds a valid hunting permit.
Anyone ages 16 – 17 can purchase an apprentice hunting license to hunt alongside an adult 18 and older who holds a valid hunting permit.
Anyone ages 18 and older can complete the required hunter’s safety course online.
We recognize this is an inconvenience and that it may not be the most desirable option to receive your hunter education certification.
DNR cancels public meetings in West Union, Decorah
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has canceled its public meetings in West Union and Decorah next week based on guidance from state and national health officials to avoid public gatherings of more than 10 people.
The meetings were scheduled to discuss chronic wasting disease after it was confirmed in hunter harvested deer in Fayette and Winneshiek counties.
The Iowa DNR will look for dates closer to deer season to reschedule these meetings.
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